Prince William quits military to focus on royal duties

(CBS News) LONDON - Prince William became a father over the summer, and now the Duke of Cambridge is getting ready for a new phase of life.

After serving in the Royal Air Force for seven-and-half years, Kensington Palace announced Thursday that William was leaving the military to focus on supporting "the work of The Queen and the Royal Family through a program of official engagements."

The second-in-line to the thrown is also "considering a number of options" to continue his public service, according to the palace. One of William's first initiatives will involve expanding his work in the field of conservation, with a focus on protecting endangered species and habitats. He will serve as president of a new collaboration, Royal Foundation forUnited for Wildlife, focusing on inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders. One of the first orders of business will involve the illegal wildlife trade.

William said in a statement: "The threats to our natural heritage are extensive, but I believe that this collaboration of the best minds in conservation will provide the impetus for a renewed commitment and action to protect endangered species and habitats for future generations."

As CBS News correspondent Charlie D'Agata reports, Flight Lieutenant William Wales has been a search and rescue helicopter pilot with the RAF for the past three years.